Vietnam Shopping Tax Refund Guide 2026: Threshold 200,000 Dong, Souvenirs Excluded

Vietnam does have a tax refund system, but the threshold is higher than you might expect

When shopping in Vietnam, many people have heard of the foreign tourist tax refund system. However, the actual threshold for this system is higher than you might imagine. According to regulations, you must spend at least 2 million Vietnamese dong in a single day at the same store to be eligible for a tax refund. During the refund process, 15% will be deducted as a handling fee, so the actual amount you receive back is roughly 6.8% of the purchase price. In other words, if you're only buying souvenirs or shopping at the market, this threshold is quite difficult to reach.

VAT Rate and New System: Changes in 2026

Starting from 1 July 2025, Vietnam's VAT rate will be reduced from 10% to 8%, and this tax reduction period will last until 31 December 2026. Additionally, from 1 July 2026, the tax refund system will switch to an electronic system, with the relevant circular being 84/2026/TT-BTC. The tax refund rate will be 85%, with operators charging a 15% handling fee. These figures are based on information from legal information websites and travel platforms, but not directly from the government website, as the Vietnamese government website requires JavaScript to display content.

• The tax reduction period ends on 31 December 2026, and details of what happens afterwards have not yet been announced.
• These figures come from legal information websites and travel platforms; Vietnamese government sites require JavaScript to view content.

Where to process tax refunds

In Vietnam, tax refund counters are located at the five airports of Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc. Additionally, while there are seaports where tax refunds can be processed, specific locations are not listed. Note that purchases must be made at stores participating in the tax refund scheme, and this must be declared at the time of purchase. This information is based on travel platform summaries, not the original official text.

• Purchases must be made at stores participating in the tax refund scheme, and tax refund must be declared at the time of purchase.
• This information is based on travel platform summaries, not the original official text.

Aeon Mall Long Biên: Current Tourist Discounts Available

At Aeon Mall Long Biên in Hanoi, 13 merchants offer a 10% discount. At checkout, simply show your passport to enjoy this discount. This offer is valid from 1st July to 31st December 2026. The discount is announced on the mall's official website, so it is guaranteed.

• Show your passport at checkout; no pre-registration required.
• Offer valid from 1st July to 31st December 2026.

Lotte Department Store Hanoi: Gifts with Minimum Spend

At Lotte Department Store Hanoi, travellers can receive an eco-bag, a beverage, and three 100,000 VND vouchers when spending 1 million VND with a traveller card. This offer is sourced from Lotte Vietnam's official social media page, but actual details may vary and are subject to in-store announcements.

• Information is sourced from Lotte Vietnam's official social media page, and actual details may vary and are subject to in-store announcements.

Other malls: No traveller benefits found

At Vincom Center and Vincom Mega Mall, there are no traveller cards, and VinClub is only applicable to Vinpearl and VinWonders. Other malls like Diamond Plaza, GO!, Big C, and Trang Tien Plaza do not offer traveller-specific benefits. As for Takashimaya Saigon Centre, although there is a general VIP programme, the website was inaccessible at the time, so confirmation was not possible. Danang Lotte Duty Free and IPP only have activities from 2022 listed.

• Vincom's VinClub is only for Vinpearl and VinWonders, not a mall traveller card.
• Danang Lotte Duty Free and IPP only have activities from 2022 listed.

Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market: Bargaining, Not Coupons

At Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market, there are no coupon systems in place; bargaining is the norm. Reports suggest that foreigners may be quoted prices several times higher than local prices, though food items are generally fixed. These observations are from travel blogs, not official sources, but they align with many travellers' experiences.

• These observations are from travel blogs, not official sources.
• Food items are generally fixed in price with little bargaining room.

Payment methods: Cash is still king

In Vietnam, cash remains the primary payment method, especially in markets and small shops. QR code wallets usually require a local Vietnamese bank account to be used. So, carrying credit cards along with Vietnamese dong cash is the safest option. These observations are based on travel information websites.

• QR code wallets usually require a local Vietnamese bank account to be used.
• These observations come from travel information websites.

Get your internet sorted before shopping

In Vietnam, whether checking participating stores, understanding tax refund thresholds, or booking rides, you need internet access on the spot. So, before heading to Vietnam, it's best to get a data SIM card set up. eSIMs are activated instantly upon payment, with the QR Code sent via email, while physical SIM cards can be mailed to Hong Kong. All plans and real-time prices are available on the Vietnam destination page.